Baha Mousa inquiry verdict is just the tip of the iceberg

Iraqi Baha Mousa died as a result of his treatment at the hands of British troops, according to a public inquiry. This included “hooding” and being held in stress positions.

Medical watchdogs found an army doctor who had denied any knowledge of Baha Mousa’s injuries guilty of serious misconduct. He was struck off.

Baha Mousa’s case is one of many. The British government has so far paid £14 million to Iraqis who were tortured during the war and occupation of the country that began in 2003.

Lawyers say that more than 700 people who were held by British troops are expected to make complaints this year. The British government is refusing to hold a public inquiry into the abuse allegations.

Meanwhile the biggest inquiry into allegations of abuse by soldiers in Iraq will begin in March. The Al Sweady inquiry will look at events following the “Battle of Danny Boy” that took place in 2004 in southern Iraq.

British soldiers detained a number of men then handed over 22 bodies to relatives. Evidence of torture includes close-range bullet wounds, the removal of eyes and stab wounds.